Called "warm and positive" by Booklist, this user-friendly book about menstruation and puberty doesn't just give the facts, ma'am: it addresses many private worries that girls may have a hard time talking about and offers truly practical tips that most girls have had to figure out for themselves -- the hard way. Light-hearted cartoon illustrations help keep the tone sympathetic and upbeat.


From Publishers Weekly
With the help of her 15-year-old niece, Karen Gravelle hits her mark with this accessible guide for adolescent girls. Frank and at times funny, the book focuses on changes that occur during puberty, specifically those accompanying menstruation. Though the scope is, intentionally, not as comprehensive as many handbooks on adolescence, the authors address nitty-gritty, practical details not usually included in such tomes (e.g., tips on improvising a sanitary pad). In addition to answering a range of "What if?" questions that would be embarrassing for many girls to ask, the authors also cover such subjects as what to expect from a visit to a gynecologist; living with pimples, cramps and "weird emotions"; and how to communicate better with parents. A comforting chapter about physical development draws an important distinction between being "normal" and being "like everyone else." Though sometimes silly or clicheed, Palen's cartoon illustrations echo the candor of the text and reinforce its kid-friendly approach. Ages 8-up. Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From School Library Journal
Grade 4-7-In a friendly, chatty manner, Gravelle explains the external and internal changes of puberty. She gives girls just enough practical details to know what to expect and how to cope with periods. Questions about big and little matters are answered in the same reassuring, sisterly vein. Humorous line drawings add to the light tone. Similar to Period (Volcano, 1991) by Gardner-Loulan, Lopez, and Quackenbush, this title is more direct, has fewer distractions, and the information is well indexed. While it doesn't replace a comprehensive work like Lynda Madaras's The What's Happening to My Body? Book for Girls (Newmarket, 1987), its directness and simplicity makes it a solid choice, especially for younger girls.?Martha Gordon, formerly at South Salem Library, NYCopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
Gr. 4^-6. Although this book is far less thorough than Bourgeois and Wolfish's Changes in You and Me (1994), and its comical and not always adequate sketches leave a lot to be desired, it still has a few nice features that may make it a good added purchase. The tone is warm and positive, and the explanations are generally easy to follow as Gravelle and her 15-year-old niece Jennifer enlighten girls about pubertal changes, reproductive anatomy, and menstruation, and answer a few common questions. Of particular note is the practical advice for coping with the unexpected arrival of a period. A closing chapter, "What Your Parents Might Like to Say to You," is also nicely handled. An informal catchall of parental perspectives (from both dads and moms), this section avoids being overly preachy or maudlin as it celebrates menstruation and, from a concerned parents' viewpoint, attends to some of the pressures that come with sexual maturity. Stephanie Zvirin


Midwest Book Review
The Period Books: Everything You Don't Want To Ask (But Need To Know) is a reassuring must-read for every girl about to have her period and every parent wishing to prepare a daughter for this important milestone. While a first period can be an unsettling experience, girls can feel confident about this new stage of their lives if they know what to expect. With clarity and sensitivity, Karen Gravelle and her teenage niece, Jennifer Gravelle, explore the physical, emotional, and social aspects of menstruation. In a supportive and practical voice, they provide answers to the questions girls have about their period and related topics, such as pimples, mood swings, and increasing social pressures. Debbie Palen's illustrations provide a touch of humor, and encourage girls to consider the changes their bodies are undergoing as an exciting adventure.


Card catalog description
Explains what happens at the onset of menstruation, discussing what to wear, going to the gynecologist, and how to handle various problems.

ANNOTATION

"...covers the basic information of hygiene, body changes, communication with parents, examinations, and possible embarrassing situations."

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Karen Gravelle and her fifteen-year-old niece, Jennifer Gravelle, have written a down-to-earth and practical book that answers any questions you might have about your period, from what it is and what it feels like, to how to choose pads and tampons, to how to talk to your parents about it. The Period Book will help guide you through all the physical, emotional, and social changes that come with your period, as well as related issues like dealing with pimples, mood swings, and new expectations from friends and family. Debbie Palen's funny and sympathetic cartoons ease the confusion and exasperation you might feel, and celebrate the new sense of power and maturity that your period can bring. Perfect for sharing, The Period Book is a trusty friend that can help you feel happy and confident about this new phase of your life.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

With the help of her 15-year-old niece, Karen Gravelle hits her mark with this accessible guide for adolescent girls. Frank and at times funny, the book focuses on changes that occur during puberty, specifically those accompanying menstruation. Though the scope is, intentionally, not as comprehensive as many handbooks on adolescence, the authors address nitty-gritty, practical details not usually included in such tomes (e.g., tips on improvising a sanitary pad). In addition to answering a range of "What if?" questions that would be embarrassing for many girls to ask, the authors also cover such subjects as what to expect from a visit to a gynecologist; living with pimples, cramps and "weird emotions"; and how to communicate better with parents. A comforting chapter about physical development draws an important distinction between being "normal" and being "like everyone else." Though sometimes silly or cliched, Palen's cartoon illustrations echo the candor of the text and reinforce its kid-friendly approach. Ages 8-up. (Mar.)

Children's Literature - Susie Wilde

Sexuality books usually upset me. It's not the subject matter. It's just that they put information for a four-year-old in the same book with information for a nine-year-old. So I'll be reading along about how babies are made and suddenly I turn the page and we're discussing orgasm. Gravelle's The Period Book is perfect for girls, 8-11, who are beginning to wonder about getting their periods. When my son was in this phase, he didn't want to read aloud about these things, but my nine-almost ten-year-old daughter does. She and I read this book from cover to cover and almost every page helped her ask a question. We had a wonderful conversation about how all women are connected-and how any woman, anywhere, would be happy to lend you necessary supplies if you suddenly got your period and had none. The book has great suggestions to prepare young girls, and one of the best things we did was take a field trip to discover useful items in our bathroom.

School Library Journal